The setting is perfect and geared towards allowing the visual focus to stay on the bellydancers. This was produced in the NY area, and is geared to simulating basic bellydance performances that you'd see in a cafe or restaurant, and succeeds to do so.
It is a rare chance to see Hannah Nour and Azziza on DVD or video. Sira offers a crisp routine that's worthy of becoming a star. Natalia combines age and geacr with raw physical power and balance with swords. Yasmine and Shahira has nice performances as well.
This DVD gives you everything you'd want to see from a bellydancer. Amazingly, it doesn't go over-the-edge or undercuts. No one
bellydancer seems to upstage any other ones. A process that any video or DVD afficianado expects. This is also a performance video that any performing dancer can use to gain ideas on, especially the constant offering of floorwork done tastefully.
*Great costuming and editing throughout.
*Sira's energy during her routine.
*Natalia's abdominals and floorwork.
*Camera work was well-positioned.
*Hannah Nour: can actually say to see
her site AND see her perform.
NEGATIVES:
*Unfortunately, no special features or bios
of the bellydancers.
$25+S&H/ 1hr./2003
*WELL-organized and choreograhed.
*Narration is crisp and clear.
*Movements taught aren't ridiculous diffi-
cult for beginners.
*Ethnicity balance is superb. Future videos
from many in it are possible later on.
*Indiviual and group focus highlights the
camera work and editing.
*Kim's shimmying expertice.
NEGATIVES:
*Where's Jehan at?
*DVD has no writtewn packet inside.
*Must gauge what pace to go on your own.
The sections are well organixed (Warmup, Strength, Sensuality, Joy, Passion, Energy and Cooldown). Passion and Energy will melt the pounds off of your hips, trust me on that. The beginning will reminf you that in order for muscles to get the best results, they must be stretched and warmed up properly. I highly admit that you watch the DVD in full first, then try to workout to it afterwards, to get and understanding for the desired process. The balance of ethnicities of participants is well-organized, and the music will relax you to the point you almost forget the narration that's going on. Not since Veena & Neena has a video or DVD shown this much promise of getting a good bellydance tutorial and workout in one.
If you take out the club element, you'll treat this like it's a regular bellydance instructional. The 3-D imaging that explains each move is excellent. Neon is a very flexible dancer, and it may be immediately imtimidating for those who see this DVD for the 1st time. If your DVD has slow motion on it, it could be extra-beneficial to you. The ''Instant'' may be an overstatement, because most bellydance ''purists'' think of their craft as something that is achieved over many years.
What this DVD accomplishes is allowing you to take any form of music that's played and organize your own dance strategy. It may not be the best video for bellydance and club-going, but it's the 1st one that has tried to recognize it, especially in New York City, where Neon calls home. And, you have to start somewhere.
*Outstanding graphics and imaging.
*Diagram descriptions of moves are well-
made.
*Getting a choreography of all moves at the end of each section.
*Recognizing bellydance's influence on DJs and popularity in the club scene.
NEGATIVES:
*Background dancers geared to the club
scene needed.
*Moves learned will be limited, depending
on size and population inside of a club.
*No written pamphlet comes with the DVD..
Amar Gamal and Sonia give excellent routines that were related to their tour last year. Rania shows off her expertice of belly rolls well in the opening performance and offers her love for Egyptian style in the latter. Tamalyn Dallal is a woman in her 40s with an attitude of a teenager. For some reason, her performances almost looked like duplications, with a slight change in a move or two, and could have given her a chance to show more of her diversity.
Ansuya is a fabulous treat, making you wonder if her pelvic muscles are actual machinery. She serves the camera and viewer fcial gestures that wants you to have as much fun as she is. Rachel Brice's abdominals sometimes steals as much thunder as her body in her performances. Good luck when when you watch her fiery drum solo. And, Jillina shows she has an equally talented tummy on her own with her drum solo with Issam, an enjoyable treat. As far as performance vids go, this is an extension of bellydancers collaborating in sync, just as good as the success of Bellydance Divas was last year (also with Rania). In time, the next DVD will prove the worth of this one. So far, thy're moving in the right direction.
*Getting Suhaila on board.
*Camerawork/editing done professionally.
*Ethnic diversity across the board.
*2 performances per bellydancer theory.
*Jillina showing veteran bellydancers have
a penchant for rolls and flutters.
*Ansuya's exceptional hipwork.
*Rachel Brice's charisma and control.
*Interseting musical choices.
NEGATIVES:
*Cameras sometimes went overboard in its
constant movement per performance.
*DVD could have been a little longer.
*Some routines seen at tour sites in 2003.
*Dondi getting only 1 performance, at end.
*A better Desert Roses montage or perfor-
mance could have been added here.
*Tamalyn's almost-duplicated routines.
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